Board Resolution ~ 02/15/1997

Commending the ABA for its Call for an Immediate Moratorium on the Use of Death Penalty

Resolution of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Commending the ABA for its Call for an Immediate Moratorium on the Use of Death Penalty

New Orleans, LA February 15, 1997

WHEREAS, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers is acutely aware of the grave deficiencies identified by the American Bar Association in ensuring due process in the implementation of the Death Penalty today across the United States.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, while reiterating and reinforcing its vigorous opposition to the infliction of death as punishment for crime, commends the American Bar Association for its call for an immediate moratorium on the use of the Death Penalty.

RESOLVED, that to assure prompt remedial action, NACDL urges the American Bar Association to give the highest priority to full implementation of such a moratorium, including the filing of amicus pleadings in support of efforts to halt ongoing proceedings; and that the ABA -- through its influential publications, public affairs activities, presentation of testimony, lobbying influence and grassroots apparatus -- undertake widespread and intensive efforts in the media and in Congress, in state legislatures, and before the judiciary to inform the American public, legislators, governors and judges of the manifest unfairness being suffered by citizens facing death without due process and the right to counsel, which unfairness perverts this nation's precious system of justice, and that the ABA strive in an affirmative manner to correct these infringements of the fundamental rights of American citizens.

AND FURTHER RESOLVED, that the President of the ABA, appropriate sections and committees, and other officials and staff take all appropriate action with all deliberate speed to bring about implementation of a moratorium on the death penalty in the United States, at least while current conditions persist.